Fort Wayne pain doctor retains license, gets probation and fine

A local doctor who had been accused by the state attorney general's office of overprescribing medications has had his medical license reinstated.

According to news partner WANE-TV, NewsChannel 15, Dr. William Hedrick's license was reinstated Thursday evening by the state Medical Licensing Board. Hedrick is to serve two years of probation and is subject to a $3,000 fine, and will also have 90 days to receive training on administering drugs and in the operation of his practices, WANE reported.

Hedrick, who owns and operates numerous Centers for Pain Relief in the state, had been accused in December by the state attorney general's office that he gained financially by prescribing unsafe amounts and combinations of pain medicine, and by having his patients repeat treatments too frequently. His license had been suspended.

A settlement had reportedly been reached over the complaints in January, but the Medical Licensing Board rejected the deal, instead opting to hold a hearing in late February. The licensing board had the authority to levy sanctions that could have included the revocation of Hedrick's medical license.